Entada leptostachya
Entada leptostachya, commonly known as the climbing bean or woody climber, is a significant medicinal plant found in tropical regions. Renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, various parts of this vine are traditionally utilized to treat inflammation, skin ailments, and digestive issues, offering promising potential for modern therapeutic developments.
- Scientific name: Entada leptostachya
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Africa
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is ordered under Fabales and situated in the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic placement is within the genus Entada.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Entada | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Entada leptosta chyia, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is often called the slender sea bean, while in French, it is known as le haricot de mer mince. In Spanish, the plant is referred to as el frijol de mar delgado, and in Portuguese, it is called o feijão-do-mar delgado.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions of the African continent and its surrounding waters. In Northeast Tropical Africa, it can be found growing within the territories of Ethiopia and Somalia. Its presence extends further south into East Tropical Africa, where it inhabits parts of Kenya and Tanzania. Additionally, the species reaches across the Western Indian Ocean to the Comoros islands. Collectively, these locations highlight the plant's broad range across diverse tropical environments.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Ethiopia | WCVP |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Somalia | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya | WCVP |
| East Tropical Africa | Tanzania | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Comoros | WCVP |
| Western Indian Ocean | Madagascar | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Entada leptostachya, utilizes various components for its traditional medicinal applications. The stems are a primary source of therapeutic value, particularly when the bark is harvested to prepare medicinal formulations. Often, these specific parts are processed into a fine, dry plant powder, which allows for easier administration and standardized dosing in various herbal remedies.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Harms-stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Dry plant powder | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Entada leptostachya has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include saponins, flavonoids, phenols, tannins.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| saponins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tannins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Entada leptostachya has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Snakebite envenomation.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Snakebite envenomation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |